Study Permit

Distance learning measures have been extended to August 31st, 2023.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has added new programs to the list of fields of study eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) as of December 17, 2024. These programs fall under the education category, focusing on early childhood education and developmental services.

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced they are extending distance learning measures that were implemented throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of July 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is including officer decision notes with refusal letters for certain temporary resident applications. These notes provide applicants with more clarity on why their application was refused.

It’s refusal season at IRCC. A growing number of applicants, across all categories including visitor visas, super visas, post-graduation work permits, closed and open work permits, study permits, and even permanent residency are facing rejections, often with reasons that don’t align with the documents submitted.

IRCC publishes service standards indicating expected processing times for temporary residence applications. However, these are estimates and actual times can vary based on application details and processing locations.

On June 27th, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new temporary measure that will remove the limit on the length of study programs that temporary foreign workers can enrol in without a study permit.

Dual intent is present when a foreign national has applied, or may apply, for permanent residence in Canada but has also applied to enter Canada for a temporary period of time as a visitor, student or worker.

The Federal Court ruled that low grades in core courses can be a reasonable basis for refusing a study permit application in Canada.

Canada continues to welcome international students with world-class education, vibrant campuses, and clear opportunities after graduation. To make the process smoother, it’s helpful to understand the main reasons IRCC officers cite when refusing applications.

The Canadian government has introduced six new measures to manage the increasing number of international students and temporary workers.

Starting today, master's students in Canada can now look forward to a three-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP), even for programs shorter than two years.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller criticized Canadian universities for admitting too many students from India and emphasized the need for more diversity among international students. Speaking at a roundtable in Brampton, he also reiterated the government’s focus on prioritizing "quality" over "quantity" in immigration policies.

Montreal has been ranked 10th in the QS Best Student Cities for 2025, highlighting its strong appeal to international students.

For all international students with study permit applications received/submitted as of January 1, the federal government has now more than doubled the cost-of-living financial requirement that applicants must display during the application process.

On August 14, 2024, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, will announce a new initiative aimed at strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec.

The federal government is introducing new measures to address labor shortages in construction.

The Canadian government has launched the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) to help French-speaking minority communities outside Quebec grow and fill job shortages. Announced on January 30, 2025, the program will offer a pathway to permanent residence for French-speaking newcomers who want to live and work in these areas.

In addition to the existing Certificat d'Acceptation du Quebec (CAQ), international students planning to study in Quebec will also need an attestation letter to apply for a study permit.

Information on the Canadian education system.